Walking your Dachshund using a collar can put direct pressure on their trachea and vertebrae in the neck, which can cause a “cascading effect” and put pressure on other disks in the spine.

If your dog is wearing a harness, their trachea and spine is unlikely to be affected negatively when they start running or pulling.

When using a properly-fitted harness, pressure is distributed across your Dachshund’s chest instead of putting strain on the neck or back.

Pros of Using a Harness for Your Dachshund

Besides the safety reasons above, which is really all the convincing you should need, there are other reasons to walk your Dachshund using a harness instead of a collar too.

Better control of your dog, especially when in crowded or chaotic situations.

Helps stop your Dachshund from jumping on people, other dogs or wildlife.

Discourages pulling. With a collar, your dog may get an extra step in while pulling. This action is must more difficult with a harness.

Keeps your dog from getting tangled in a collar and leash combination.

If your Dachshund is easily distracted, a harness will help keep them safe and secure in environments with over-stimulation.

It’s less unlikely that a harness will accidentally come off your dog. Collars can slip over your Dachshund’s head. They also pose the risk of coming undone if your dog pulls with enough force.

How to Choose a Harness for Your Dachshund

Harnesses are available in a few different styles but the best once distribute the weight across your Dachshund’s chest.

Harnesses that distribute pressure to the chest instead of neck usually look low-slung across the front of their chest (think boat neck shirt) or have a V-neck design.

Take these steps to choose the right harness for your Dachshund:

Find a harness design and style that you like. For Dachshunds, a harness where you attached the leash at the back is most likely the best option.

Take extra features into consideration. Some harnesses are outfitted with reflective trim, ID tag pockets, a handle and multiple points of adjustment. Purchasing a harness with these extras comes down to preference.

If you plan to hike or walk long distances with your Dachshund, consider buying a harness with breathable padding for extra comfort.

Take thorough measurements of your dog and compare it to the size chart to find the size that will fit your dog. You’ll want to measure the widest part of your Dachshund’s ribcage, just behind the front legs, and the neck circumference. Some brands will include a chart that shows how to measure your dog for their specific harness style.

Which Harnesses Do You Recommend for Dachshunds?

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. That means that I get a small commission on an item if you buy it, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase a qualifying product.

Harnesses are such an individual decision. Each person has their preference and each dog has their own unique, size, shape and needs.

However, there are a few harnesses I’ve tried for my Dachshunds over the years that stood out.

Gretel has hiked over 10 miles in this harness, through streams and mud, and never developed a raw spot.

You can read more about why it’s our favorite harness for when we’re hiking or walking long distances HERE.

Dachshund Delights Mesh Hug-A-Dog Harness®

Although we don’t currently use any other harnesses besides the two above, the Hug-A-Dog Harness® would be one of my top choices if we did.

The #1 selling point for this vest-style harness is that it’s almost impossible for a Dachshund to get out of.

This harness also stands out because it’s made to fit a Dachshund’s body and comes in 1/2 inch size increments so you can almost get a custom fit for your pup.

I also like it because the mesh version of this harness is very lightweight and extremely breathable.

While it’s been a few years since I’ve used it for the dogs, and we only walked a couple of miles in it, I don’t remember any chafing issues.

However, do be aware that it can put a bit of pressure on your dog’s throat if they pull on the leash a lot (but not as much as a collar because the wider strap distributes the pressure more evenly).

If you have a dog that is constantly straining against the end of the leash, this may not be the harness for them.

Should I Throw Out My Dog’s Collar?

Although you’ll want to walk your Dachshund using a harness, you probably want to keep at least one collar on hand.

It’s important for your dog to wear a collar with ID when they don’t have their harness on. If your dog gets lost without a collar on, they could easily be mistaken for a stray.

Alternately, some people keep the collar with ID on all the time instead of switching their dog’s ID back and forth between the collar and harness. They just put the harness on in addition when needed.

Either way, make sure your Dachshund’s ID tags are always up to date with your current phone number and address.

While choosing to walk your Dachshund on a collar or harness is a personal preference, hopefully I’ve given you good reason to go with a harness.

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About Jessica Rhae

Jessica, aka. The Dachshund Lady, lives and breathes everything Dachshund, hiking and camping with dogs, and blogging. Given her cumulative 25 years of owning Dachshunds, studying the breed, and organizing an 800-member Dachshund club, she's considered a breed expert by many. Jessica's dogs have been her best hiking and camping buddies for the last 16 years. She started this blog in 2010 to share what she knows. She's since won several industry awards and become one of the premier blogging experts in the pet industry.

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I Am Not Your Vet….

I’m a passionate pet parent that shares what I know about Dachshunds and adventuring with small dogs. Some of what I share is researched facts; some of it is stuff I’ve learned through living with pets my whole life; and some of it is just good ol’ opinion. Please check with your veterinarian before your dog undertakes a new exercise routine, you introduce a new food, treat or supplement, or to confirm that anything I suggest here is a good fit for your dog.